Callaway gauging Napoli’s interest in Citi

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Mike Napoli has almost always left a positive impression as a leader wherever he has been, so it probably is no surprise that new Mets manager Mickey Callaway has been in contact with the veteran slugger to at least get a feel for his interest in New York.

Napoli was part of the 2016 AL champion Indians team, for whom Callaway was the pitching coach.

Napoli fits the criteria Sandy Alderson set out for first base, though the Mets are looking at several options, not just Napoli.

The Mets would like to get a veteran on a one-year contract who can play first if Dominic Smith is not ready, or work in conjunction with Smith if he is. All the better if that player bats righty. And really all the better if that player also can help with clubhouse culture.

Napoli was part of the leadership fabric of the Indians in 2016 — one of their mot- tos was Party at Napoli’s. After that season, the Twins tried to sign the freeagent Napoli under a new leadership of Derek Falvey, who had Napoli in Cleveland, and Thad Levine, who had Napoli in Texas. Instead, Napoli went back to the Rangers, though the Twins have some interest again now, as well.

Napoli, 36, is coming off his worst season, when a hand injury might have led to him batting just .193 with a .713 OPS. But he still hit 29 homers with a .467 slugging percentage against lefties.